US message on Kosovo Army: No one has the veto on Kosovo’s security

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Wess Mitchell, is visiting Pristina today. After meeting Kosovo President Hashim Thaci at International Airport of Pristina he sent a strong message on establishment of Kosovo Army. Mitchell said that no one has the veto on transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

Mitchell, adressing jounralists during a joint press conference with President Thaci emphasized the importance of the security in Kosovo and cooperation with the US. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State said that he discussed with Thaci also constitutional amendments enabling transformation of the KSF into army. “We have discussed constitutional amendments and I underscored before the President that no one has the right to veto on Kosovo’s security,” Mitchell said.

When asked whether this relates to Serbian MPs in Kosovo Parliament who are opposing establishment of Kosovo army, Mitchell was direct mentioning the role of Belgrade. “The U.S. has closely cooperated related to transformation of the KSF and we will continue supporting this transformation in all levels. I think our friends in Belgrade are informed on the U.S. position and I will reiterate this also in Belgrade,” said Mitchell.

He also denied Serb media reports that he allegedly will present a plan on Kosovo during his visit to Belgrade on Tuesday. Mitchell denied that he came to Kosovo to present a specific plan, stating that he is staying in Pristina for a joint plan on Kosovo and Serbia's future towards the EU.